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The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the local government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this international discussion continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.